ACG101's 3rd Annual Emerging Growth Pitch Competition & Showcase

On June 5th, we're showcasing a select group of Greater-Los Angeles's finest startups in an event you won't want to miss. 10 selected startups will pitch to attendees, guest judges (investors and seasoned entrepreneurs) in a showcase/demo table style presentation. Three finalists will then be selected to formally do a 2-minute pitch for the grand prize!

Guest Investor Judges

Robert Mai, Managing Partner, Scopus Ventures

Robert Mai focuses on fund management as it pertains to Scopus Ventures investments, partnerships, operations and regulatory compliance in the U.S. and abroad. He has over 25 years of experience in investment banking and asset management throughout Asia and the US at Lehman Brothers, UBS, and Citigroup. Prior to teaming up with Eran and Bahram, Mr. Mai spent a decade working in private equity and venture capital markets, including managing a $300 million alternative investments portfolio and fixed income trading platform at Klingenstein Fields Wealth Advisors. Robert graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a BS in Biological Sciences and received an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Julie-ann Pina, Managing Partner, CFOrganizers

Julie-ann Pina is Managing Partner of CFOrganizers. The group helps PE firms streamline the back office functions of portfolio companies, to increase growth rates and margins. The results also provide much faster and more transparent reports that PE firms require. Her projects are founded on her financial and technology background and interface with IT to provide oversight of HR, Operations, and Strategy. She also helps clients smooth out the challenges that come with rapid growth. Her clients range from a Caltech spinout to Edwards Lifesciences. Past projects include startups, new enterprises within existing companies, and product development and launch. Previously, Julie-ann worked in VC at Chase Capital and was a VP at BankAmerica including 7 years in investment banking.

Julie-ann serves as a board member and has previously served as Treasurer of the Pasadena Angels. She judges and coaches at local events and speaks at Universities and other institutions across Southern California. She also has a long history with FIRST-FTC. In 2015, Julie-ann teamed up with 3 technology startups through NSF’s I-Corps program. One of them is now in rapid growth and has garnered substantial funding. Julie-ann continues to be involved with I-Corps and other assistance to the National Science Foundation.

Julie-ann earned her MBA with a certificate in Technology Commercialization at USC, was a Beta Gamma Sigma honoree and CGSM fellow, and invested a portion of the University endowment. Her bachelor’s degree was Quantitative Economics at UC Berkeley.

Personally, Julie-ann’s hobbies are walks with her husband, raising her 2 kids and a dog, and outdoor activities.

Santhosh Devati, Founder/Investor, Anamika Ventures

Santhosh is a dreamer, problem-solver, serial entrepreneur and a proven leader in the technology industry for past 20+ years. In his professional journey thus far, he has advised and created Business/Data Analytics/Technology Solutions for national brands such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, Allergan and many more. In recent years, he has mentored 200+ business owners, startup, entrepreneurs and professionals to succeed in their pursuit.

Santhosh is a proud circle member of Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, SoCal Society of Information Management (SCSIM) and a Certified Business Mentor at SCORE Los Angeles.

Wan Song

Wan has been investing in companies for over 20 years, covering numerous industries and verticals that are relevant to the present and future trends. An entrepreneur by heart, he grew his last firm into recurring revenue exceeding $30MM. Since retiring in late 2013, Wan spends his time meeting and mentoring startup founders, venture partners, and institutions to help grow Los Angeles as a true venture and entrepreneurial destination. He is an active member of LAVA, Singularity University, and Abundance360. He received his MBA from Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School in 2012. Also, he likes cheeseburgers, so now you know how you can get his attention.

Drawing on her diverse work experience in the entertainment arena, including time spent with talent agencies, and music and television production companies, Kelly also assists on matters related to licensing marketing, and exploitation of intellectual property rights.

Featured Startups

Are you a seed round startup and working on something awesome? We'd love to hear your pitch! Register for the Pitch Competition to Apply! There is no cost for applicants, and you'll find the application embedded within the registration area for startup registrants. If selected to pitch, you plus oneare entitled to complimentary registrations. (Additional team members are welcome to join your team; however, they must be paid registrants).